Archive for month: January, 2015

We are getting such a “kick” out of our new soccer clinic. All the kids are learning to control the ball and work with their teammates. We couldn’t be more proud of our coaches, volunteers, and especially our players.

and country stars, and pop stars too. Teen Night gathered at Wannabe’s Karaoke this weekend for a show of our talent and team spirit. We laughed and cheered and sang along as our friends performed their favorite songs. Thanks to Bonnie and her crew at Wannabe’s. They always treat us like the stars that we are.

On Wednesday 1/14 FACT addressed the Lighthouse club at P.A. FACT visits local high schools to discuss autism, volunteer opportunities, anti-bullying, and inclusion. Identifying ways that young people can reach out to individuals with autism in their school community can make a real impact. F.A.C.T. has always relied on peer volunteers to create an inclusive environment in all our programs. WE thank the students and teachers at P.A. for their interest in helping and engaging our students.

The We Promise Foundation Purchases a 44 passenger bus for local autism camp Camp Gonnawannagoagin’ now has reliable transportation, thanks to an $11,000 grant from The We Promise Foundation

Virginia Beach, VA,– Local social and recreational camp for autism, Camp Gonnawanngoagin’, finally has a means of reliable transportation. Each year, Camp Gonnawannagoagin’ takes hundreds of children with autism on dozens of fun outings with their volunteer peer buddies. Many children enjoy the bus ride there as much as the field trip itself. Far too often, these field trips were either cancelled or interrupted due to mechanical issues with the bus. Now, thanks to The We Promise Foundation, this local camp has a beautiful, low-mileage, dependable bus with air conditioning.

FACT, the non-profit organization responsible for Camp Gonnawannagoagin’, is eternally grateful for the continuing support from The We Promise Foundation. The We Promise Foundation is known for always wanting to be involved with the causes they support, and they are fulfilled by witnessing the smiles they bring to faces. Karen Lane, the Executive Director, writes, “We look forward to partnering with you this upcoming year and spending time with you and your children.” She continues by requesting the opportunity to “come out and be a part of [the] organization and activities.”

The We Promise Foundation has made it their mission to help improve the lives of children who suffer from severe illnesses or tremendous hardships. Because of the bus funded by We Promise, Camp Gonnawannagoagin’ was able to increase the amount of children accepted into the camp per week, thus putting smiles on the faces of more children with autism in the Tidewater area.

FACT is honored to be one of the many who receive ongoing support from The We Promise Foundation

FACT is able to continue invaluable monthly socials, thanks to the VCRA

Virginia Beach, VA– Today, Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater (FACT) announces that its Family Socials will continue because of the generosity of the Vintage Car Rally Association (VCRA). Since individuals with autism typically suffer social repercussions, these children tend to miss out on events that most people take for granted: birthday parties, school dances, and recreational excursions with peers. The VCRA has acknowledged that these opportunities are invaluable for children with autism, and has granted FACT the funds needed to reinstate Family Socials. These events allow parents to network, siblings to model desired behaviors, and children with autism to enjoy themselves in the company of their peers. In 2014, VCRA granted funding for a 15 passenger van, 12 iPads, and 10 full camp scholarships for military families and those in financial need.

Rex Gardner, the Founder and Director of the VCRA, writes, “We are pleased we can be of some help to organizations like yours that struggle to make life better for those children with autism. It is our hope that our help will allow you to improve the caliber of your [organization], and increase the number of children you can assist.” Gardner continues, “it is our hope that you might, in the future, explore the issue of ‘children with autism entering adulthood’ and how to address it,” another FACT endeavor currently in the works.

Although FACT’s Family Socials were initially launched as a “hail Mary” attempt to fill one child’s void, they have since fulfilled the lives of hundreds affected by autism. With the money that VCRA has provided FACT, families have the opportunities to participate in a wide range of social, recreational, and athletic programs. In addition, FACT is now able to rent a convenient, clean, and safe recreational facility in order to host these events, which is a huge structural improvement from the previous venue.

If you would like more information about the VCRA, please visit: www.vintagecarrally.com

Winter Break Camp was only 3 days, but they were packed full of activities. From holiday themed field trips to Hunt Club Farm’s Winter Wonderland and the Dicken’s Christmas Towne at Nauticus to special guests like Anna-Marie the Zumba instructor and the Salem High School cheerleading squad, the kids were engaged and having a blast.

The FACT socials are free family events packed with fun for all ages. Our annual Holiday Party co-hosted by the Tidewater Autism Society in December is always a huge hit. We had games, crafts, face painting, prizes, an an inflatable obstacle course and a visit from Santa.To check out all the fun click here.

http://camp4autism.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/fact_logo.png00Pamhttp://camp4autism.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/fact_logo.pngPam2015-01-02 14:04:122015-01-21 09:24:05Holiday Social was a huge hit!!